I love symbols and rituals. The idea that you can attach sentimental value to something, tie values, memories, and give meaning excites me. Symbols are personal, intimate, important… I guess that’s why we often associate holidays with souvenirs, sticking magnets on the fridge. I guess that’s why we girls pay extra attention to the wedding dress, the engagement ring.
I always knew what my engagement ring would look like, and through subtle cues my husband (boyfriend then) knew as well. A cushion cut stone, white gold band, and sparkles on the sides… I fantasized it like so. I didn’t quite like the idea of diamond rigs since it was easy for me to associate them with something corrupt. You never know where your stone can come from… So not really sure what type of gem I was to expect, my boyfriend surprised me with a moissanite engagement ring. It’s not even a diamond alternative, but something different altogether.
What is Moissanite?
Well, the story begins way back before the turn of the last century, when Henry Moissan discovered a durable crystal structure within an Arizona meteorite crater. Moissanite is, by far, the most durable crystal ever discovered. But, since it appeared to be so rare in nature, and since lab production was ridiculously expensive, it wasn’t until the early 90’s when two companies began to produce and market them throughout the world.
Now, moissanite rings, as Lifestyle Updated writes recently, became very popular: Word of mouth has finally caught up, and moissanite is now far more popular. So much so that fashion bloggers proudly take pictures of their cushion cut halo rings or emerald shape moissanite stones. Faces from the entertainment industry and public life have too started to join the numbers.
“Word of mouth has finally caught up, and moissanite is now far more popular. So much so that fashion bloggers proudly take pictures of their cushion cut halo rings or emerald shape moissanite stones. Faces from the entertainment industry and public life have too started to join the numbers.”
How Well do Moissanite Rings Compare with Diamonds?
A lab created moissanite is harder, more durable, and emits more fire and sparkle than a natural diamond. Compared together, the moissanite is more noticeable with its brightness and clarity. For an equal amount of clarity and brightness as a moissanite ring has, you’d have to pay tens of thousands of dollars to buy a diamond one. And it will still lack some of the physical characteristics.
Besides, moissanite gems are lab grown and thus won’t associate with the diamond cartel that literally ruins third world countries. As a symbol of love to wear on my finger, it is a rather important fact to know.
Moissanite is known for its high refractive index of 2.65, which is notably higher than diamond, sapphire, CZ and many other gemstones. The higher the refractive index of a gemstone, the more brilliance the jewel emits. So moissanite’s superior refractive index makes moissanite the most brilliant fine gemstone on earth.
What is a Forever Brilliant, and who is Charles & Colvard?
Ok, so here is the deal… The most successful company that produces moissanite jewels is called Charles and Colvard. They also happened to introduce a special line of moissanite gems called Forever brilliant. These stones are slightly brighter than ordinary moissanite stones and are usually available for few hundred dollars depending on the size. The difference, as many bloggers say, is not particularly noticeable though it shows.
I learned that mine is a forever brilliant, and since I haven’t seen an ordinary moissanite stone, I cannot tell for sure. Which brings me again to a question many people have – how much does a moissanite ring cost? Well, if you take the band, and all the work that goes into actually making an ordinary ring, you’re left with the price of the stone – the moissanite gem. And this is where it gets interesting. A forever brilliant cushion cut, that is around 1 and 1.5 karats (a measure of size) usually goes around 1000$. Which is still mind blowing considering diamonds and how expensive they are.
How to Clean your Moissanite Engagement Ring?
It’s a question many people on Instagram want to know, so I thought I’d include it here as well. It’s a simple procedure, really… Just use a dish detergent and water, and stir until foam creates. Then, by using a toothbrush, just gently go over every angle of your ring, and it will be as good as new.
Though moissanite gems never lose their color nor do they get cloudy, grease can cover the surface with long-term wear, so it would appear like the stone is somewhat yellowish. But don’t worry, just use this trick to remove the dirt once every few months and it will restore its brightness.
I Love my Moissanite Engagement Ring
More than one year has passed, and it shines as bright as the first day. And I love the symbolic behind that. It doesn’t have a single scratch, didn’t change its color, and people still ask me about it. Even if you don’t know anything about hardness, fire, brilliance and what refractive index means, you will fall in love with how stunning it looks. It’s the most beautiful ring ever, won’t cost a fortune, and you will have comfort in knowing that it will always stay the same. Bright and shiny as the first day.
Author: Meri